Balcones Resources 101

The idea that drives Balcones Resources is simple: Don't waste resources that can be used again. Balcones believes in extracting the maximum amount of value from all recyclable commodities. We are not associated with a landfill so we must do all that we can to capture valuable material. We continue to make investments and improvements to accomplish this goal.

Yes. While it's true that recycling paper and plastic over and over will degrade the quality, that doesn't mean you can't recycle it. Many recycled products contain a percentage of both virgin and post-consumer recycled content.

No. Here's why: Food is one of the worst contaminants in the paper recycling process. Grease and oil are not as big of a problem for plastic, metal and glass, as those materials are recycled using a heat process. But when paper products, like cardboard, are recycled, they are mixed with water and turned into slurry. Since we all know water and oil don't mix, the issue is clear. Grease from pizza boxes causes oil to form at the top of the slurry, and paper fibers cannot separate from oils during the pulping process. Essentially, this contaminant causes the entire batch to be ruined.

Yes. The lids to plastic bottles are made of different grades of plastic than the bottle itself. These are recyclable and are removed through a flotation method during the recycling process.

No. Water conservation is at the forefront of everyone's mind now. The cans and bottles are actually rinsed during the recycling process. They should be emptied prior to tossing in the recycle container.

No. The good news: Most plastic bags can be accepted separately if you're willing to take them to a drop-off location. To find plastic bag drop-off sites in your area, go to plasticbagrecycling.org.

The janitorial staff may use the "double bag" collection method. This means that there are actually dual bags inside of their cart, and although it may appear that all of the materials are going into the trash, it is being separated.

Balcones Resources takes pride in the training that we provide to all janitorial staffs. Janitorial staff follow recycling protocols to make sure any contaminated recycling does end up in the trash. If there is a decline in the tonnage or notable contaminated materials present regularly, we can provide additional training.